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Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Kentucky Horse Racing Authority approves equine drug regulations
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2005) – The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA) today adopted a model drug rule that will bring uniformity and clear guidance on race day medications. Last year Governor Ernie Fletcher created the KHRA and charged the authority with evaluating Kentucky’s horse racing regulations and adopting changes to ensure the state’s signature industry remains the nation’s leader.
The KHRA approved amendments to state regulations that will limit drugs and medications that can be administered to a horse on race day and set penalties for violators.
The comprehensive amendments passed by the KHRA are based on a model drug rule promoted by the national Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. Governor Fletcher had urged the Equine Drug Research Council (EDRC) at its first meeting last December to consider adopting the national rule. The council, chaired by Connie Whitfield, held several public meetings on the proposed changes to the state program and recommended the KHRA adopt the model rule.
“These changes not only advance the integrity of racing in Kentucky, but also protect the health of the horse and the safety of the rider,” said Whitfield. “Kentucky joins 15 other states that have adopted the uniform rule.”
The amendments were drafted by a KHRA subcommittee chaired by Tom Handy. The subcommittee, which also held a public hearing last year, is in the process of updating all KHRA regulations.
“These amendments will create the most comprehensive drug rule in the country and will help protect the integrity of horse racing in Kentucky,” said Bill Street, chairman of the KHRA.
The most dramatic effect of the amendment will be to limit race day medications to Salix and one adjunct bleeder medication. The administration of a single, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) will be permitted 24 hours prior to post time. The old rule allowed multiple NSAIDs four hours prior to post time.
Ironically, Kentucky’s current administrative regulation for dispensing equine medications is by far the most stringent one in the United States, said Jim Gallagher, executive director of the KHRA.
“In practice, however, the former Kentucky Racing Commission adopted internal policies in 1998, and again in 2002, which made Kentucky the most liberal and permissive state in the country for equine medications,” said Gallagher. “Those policies never went through the proper administrative review process, were not subject to public review or comment and were never reviewed by the appropriate legislative committees. But they were applied as if they had been.”
The regulation pertaining to penalties for violations of the drug rule for thoroughbred racing was also revamped. A specific drug classification schedule is included in the regulation. The schedule identifies a range of drugs by classes – drugs that have no legitimate use in the horse, drugs that have a legitimate use but have a high potential to influence the performance of the horse, and therapeutic medications with a low potential to influence the performance of the horse.
In addition, guidelines were established for licensees who have their licenses revoked or suspended for a certain time period, to prohibit such persons from being actively involved in or profiting from racing.
The KHRA asked Governor Fletcher to implement the regulations on an emergency basis. If Governor Fletcher signs the emergency regulations, the drug rules would be effective while additional public comments are received on proposed permanent regulations.
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